Big step for Swanson
Standout finds net for Red Stars; Albert apologizes after being called out
Mallory Swanson is back in business after scoring her first goal for the Red Stars since her season-ending knee injury last year. Chicago-area native Korbin Albert apologized for a slew of social media posts after former U.S. women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe called her out. And the Fire are struggling to win on the road.
Mallory Swanson scores first goal since knee injury:
The wait is over for Mallory Swanson.
After she went scoreless in the first two games of the NWSL season, Swanson bagged a goal against the Orlando Pride on Friday — her first since suffering a season-ending knee injury last spring.
Swanson sprang free in the box during the 64th minute of the Red Stars’ 1-1 draw in Orlando, settling a chip pass by Jenna Bike before crushing a shot past keeper Anna Moorhouse into the left netting.
After the goal, Swanson raised both arms and tipped her head back in visible joy as she celebrated a crucial step in her return from an injury that resulted in three surgeries and complications from an infection.
The next step is to repeat the feat for the U.S. women’s national team. Despite playing only six international games before her injury last spring, Swanson led the team in scoring with seven goals in 2023. She will have her first opportunity to return to the international stage this month in the SheBelieves Cup, which kicks off Saturday in Atlanta.
Fire still struggling on the road:
Six games into the MLS season, the Fire still can’t clear one hurdle: winning on the road.
The Fire have a win and a loss at Soldier Field, but away from home they have two losses and two draws. As a result they sit tied for 12th in the Eastern Conference with five points.
The most recent road defeat was a 3-0 shutout by Atlanta United.
Korbin Albert apologizes after Megan Rapinoe call-out:
Chicago-area native and U.S. women’s national team prospect Korbin Albert issued an apology on social media last week after her activity on social media sparked outrage from fans and teammates on the national team.
The 20-year-old from Grayslake — who plays for Paris